With a printer and some paper, thieves are using other people's checks to create their own. And police say, they are cashing in on the crime.
Greenville officers say they've seen the scam increasing at an alarming rate.
One of the latest victims is Capri's Italian on Stone Avenue. According to reports, so far, ten bogus payroll checks have been cashed costing thousands.
Investigators say thieves pull account and routing numbers off the from of a check, then manufacture their own at home with supplies you can find at any office supply store.
The finished product is very hard to tell from the real thing, complete with a signature and water mark on the back.
"You're used to protecting your credit card information, or the pin number for your debit card. But, having your check, even an old used check, some one can take that information, use that check and drain your account," Sgt. Jason Rampey of the Greenville Police Department said.
Here are a few ways to try and protect your money:
1. Police say always cash checks at reputable businesses, preferably banks with trusted employees.
2. Talk to your bank about checks with special encrypted numbers.
3. If you're an employer, use direct deposit so your account information isn't handed out.
4. If you're an employee at a place that cashes checks, always check i.d.'s and make sure the name of the company on the check and the account where the money is coming from match.
Email
Facebook
Google
Twitter
Favorites
More
Advertisement